Kelly’s Review – Page 37

March 3, 2015March 1, 2015

Kelly reviews Accidentally Dead, Again by Dakota Cassidy

TITLE: Accidentally Dead, Again
SERIES #: Accidental #6
CHARACTERS: Sam McLean & Phoebe Reynolds
AUTHOR: Dakota Cassidy
NARRATOR: Meredith Mitchell
PUBLICATION DATE: June 30, 2014
RUN TIME: 11 Hours & 49 Minutes
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After a wild work-sponsored Halloween party, entomologist Sam McLean wakes up with a spotty memory–and a pointy set of fangs. Sam’s one-night stand wasn’t just dressed as a vampire; she had the bite to match. Somehow, Sam’s unconscious body ends up at the OOPS office, where paranormal crisis counselors Nina, Marty, and Wanda give him the down-low on accidentally becoming a creature of the night.

Dealing with a newbie like Sam is no easy task, but things get even more crazy when Phoebe Reynolds–a woman who claims to be Nina’s sister–storms into the office and causes a catfight that ends when Phoebe is accidentally bitten by Sam’s recently formed fangs. Now the OOPS girls have two fledgling vamps on their hands, and their powers–and the attraction building between them–are unlike anything they’ve seen before.

REVIEW:
Another fun Accidentals story. I really liked the twists and turns in this story. I loved all the names that Nina calls Phoebe. I loved that Phoebe is a more well put together Nina. It was great to finally see someone stand up to Nina. I think Nina finally found her match in her little sister. I loved Sam!!! Sam the bug guy is great. No matter what secrets he is hiding or way Sam is a great guy.
As always Ms. Cassidy writes a fun, snarky, I think my ears will never be the same after listening to Nina and everything will be okay story. Loved it!!
Ms. Mitchell does a great job as always narrating the Accidental series. I love that it is so easy to know who is talking. Loved it.
Looking forward to the next book in this series.

Disclaimer:
I purchased this audiobook from Audible.com and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 2, 2015March 1, 2015

Kelly reviews Beyond the Darkness by Katie Reus

TITLE: Beyond the Darkness
SERIES #: Darkness #3
CHARACTERS: Bran Devlin & Keelin Petronilla
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
PUBLICATION DATE: March 3, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Now that she has her freedom, she’s not giving it up.

Dragon shifter Keelin Petronilla spent centuries in forced hibernation dreaming of one thing: freedom. Now she’s living life on her terms—she’s ditched her clan for an unruly wolf pack, she tends bar for a half-demon, and she’s loving it…until a powerful supernatural being targets her. She intends to handle the mysterious attacks on her own…without the help of dragon Alpha Bran Devlin. Sure, he’s sexy in that hot, scowling possessive way, but Keelin wants to live her own life in her own way.

Now that he’s found his mate, he’s not letting her go.

Former black ops agent Bran Devlin is a born dragon Alpha and leader of a fierce clan. Getting mated was never part of his plan—until a feisty dragon princess gets under his skin in a big way. The hell of it is, she doesn’t want a mate; she just wants to have a good time. He plays along, but when a dark and powerful being marks her for death, he’s determined to stay by her side in spite of her protests. Now that he’s found his mate, he means to keep her safe no matter what the cost…even if he has to risk it all.

REVIEW:
Nothing says love like a golden glow and blue flames.
Sure Bran acts like your typical Alpha at times but he is head over heels for Keelin. Which was fun to watch him figure out how to get what he wants without pulling the Alpha card. Well the Alpha card is played but in a very nice way.
Keelin is determined not to mate with Bran. Even if every part of her wants him. The struggle between these two is get fun. But in the end sometime you just have to roll with the punches and let fate have her way.
Awe, it was great to be back in Ms. Reus’ world of dragons and all things paranormal. I really enjoyed Bran and Keelin’s story. I was hoping for a little more drama surrounding Keelin. But all in all it was another great story from Ms. Reus. And the set up for the next book. Oh boy!! Bo is going to have his hands full.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Katie Reus in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

February 27, 2015February 22, 2015

Kelly review Accidentally Catty by Dakota Cassidy

TITLE: Accidentally Catty
SERIES #: Accidental #5
CHARACTERS: Shaw Eaton & Katie Wood
AUTHOR: Dakota Cassidy
NARRATOR: Meredith Mitchell
RUN TIME: 11 Hours & 20 Minutes
AUDIO PUBLICATION DATE: June 17, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A purrr-fectly scintillating new novel from the national bestselling author of Accidentally Demonic.

Katie Woods never thought she’d be forty-one, divorced, and thrust back into the dating world. To start fresh, Katie uproots her veterinary practice to upstate New York-not exactly the hottest dating scene on the planet. But when an unconscious cougar appears at her clinic, Katie’s newly single life gets a much needed jolt of the supernatural kind.

After Katie examines the cougar and leaves him caged overnight, she’s shocked to find a big strapping specimen of young, hot man in its place. And when the scratch she got during the exam results in some unnatural side effects, Katie has more to deal with than her animal attraction to a much younger guy-she has to figure how to stop herself from becoming a cougar of the four-legged variety.

REVIEW:
The last thing that Dr. Woods ever expected to find on her doorstep is a cougar. But when said cougar scratches her strange things start happening. To make matters worse Katie’s lovely assistant has called OOPS for help. What is OOPS you say? You will need to pick up a copy of Accidentally Catty to find out. But in the mean time Dr. Katie Woods just learned that she is a cougar shifter and the person responsible is not only a cougar but a very naked and yummy man locked in one of her crates. Let the chaos ensue.

Another fun book from Ms. Cassidy. Ms Cassidy can never let her Accidentals have a simple time of things. I loved Katie & Shaw. They are both stubborn and have a wicked sense of humor. We get to see all the other Accidentals too. Wanda and Nina play a huge roll in this book.

And as always Ms. Mitchell does a great job bring the characters to life. And Shaw so dreaming. Thank you Ms. Mitchell for doing such a great job with Shaw. On to the next one 🙂

Disclaimer:
I purchased this audiobook from Audible and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

February 26, 2015February 22, 2015

Kelly reviews At Wolf Ranch by Jennifer Ryan

TITLE: At Wolf Ranch
SERIES #: Montana Men #1
CHARACTERS: Gabe Bowden & Ella Wolf
AUTHOR: Jennifer Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: February 25, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Everything’s bigger in Big Sky country, including the hearts of the Montana Men…

After years on the rodeo circuit, Gabe Bowden wants nothing more than land of his own and a woman who will claim his heart for more than one night. When he has the chance to buy the enormous Wolf Ranch spread, he snaps up the incredible deal. Everything is set, until Gabe rescues a woman on the deserted, snowy road leading to the property, and the half-frozen beauty changes everything.

Ella Wolf rushes to her family’s abandoned Montana ranch after her twin sister is murdered. She knows she’s next . . . unless she can uncover a secret hidden somewhere at Wolf Ranch. The last thing Ella expects is to be rescued by a rugged rancher with his own agenda. A man who almost makes her forget how dangerous love can be.

As an unlikely partnership sparks into something so much more, and a killer closes in, can Ella and Gabe learn to trust one another before it’s too late?

REVIEW:
This was my first book by Jennifer Ryan. At Wolf Ranch is the first book in her new Montana Men series. This was a good story. The beginning of this book is heartbreaking. But as the story goes on I learned that what you see is not always what you get. Ella is not the party girl that the world thinks she is. She is one tough cookie who is willing to do anything to find the truth. A truth that might just get her killed.
Gabe is dream in the way that all hunky yummy cowboys are. He is so amazing with Ella and the events that happen in this book.
Of course I don’t want to give anything away. But if you are looking for a new read and love cowboys, love suspense and love romance I would highly suggest you pick up a copy of At Wolf Ranch. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Edelweiss & Avon in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

February 26, 2015February 24, 2015

Kelly reviews Bound By Danger by Katie Reus

TITLE: Bound to Danger
SERIES #: Deadly Ops #2
CHARACTERS: Cade O’Reilly & Maria Cervantes
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
NARRATOR: Sophie Eastlake
AUDIO PUBLICATION DATE: January 20, 2015
RUN TIME: 8 hours & 44 Minutes
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
At a benefit dinner, community activist Maria Cervantes overhears two men plotting a terrorist attack that could rock Miami to its core. But before she can alert authorities, she’s almost killed in a massive explosion—and wakes up in a hospital with no memory of what happened. As the sole survivor of the attack, she is now a person of interest to the NSA—and especially to Agent Cade O’Reilly. Because Maria is the one woman Cade has never been able to forget.

Years ago, they were closer than either was willing to admit—until Cade disappeared when Maria needed him most. Now he’s sticking by her, whether she likes it or not. Because the memories locked inside her mind could hold vital clues to the next attack. Because terrorists want her dead—and because he never wants to let her go again.

REVIEW:
As I read over my original review of Bound to Danger (below) I find that I loved this book just as much the second time around as I did the first time. But this go around I listened on audio. Sophie Eastlake does a good job of bringing Ms. Reus’ characters to life. My only complaint is that at time the male voice sound a little stuffy. But other than that, I enjoyed the non-stop action of this story.

Original review: Eight years is a long time to stay away from the one you love. But that is what Cade O’Reilly did and he had his reasons. But when Maira’s name come acrossed the board as needing protection he know that he was the only one that could do it. He will do anything for Maira, except let her go this time. This time he plans to stay, but will Maira want him to after she learns of his secrets?

Bound to Danger is the second book in Katie Reus’ news Deadly Ops series. Bound to Danger is every bit as good as Targeted (bk 1). From page one there is not stop action. And even in the middle of a life and death situation Katie is able to let our hero & heroine have a great love story.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the audiobook from Katie Reus and Audible.com in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

February 25, 2015February 22, 2015

Kelly reviews What a Devilish Duke Desires by Vicky Dreiling

TITLE: What a Devilish Duke Desires
SERIES #: The Sinful Scoundrels #3
CHARACTERS: Harry Norcliffe & Lucy
AUTHOR: Vicky Dreiling
PUBLICATION DATE: February 24, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
WILL A FEW FLIRTATIOUS STEPS

Harry Norcliffe never wanted to inherit his beloved uncle’s title. The rigidity of the ton, the incessant reminders from his marriage-minded mama that he must settle down with a highborn lady and produce an heir and a spare: it’s all such a dreadful bore. So when his mother asks him to take part in a dancing competition, he patently refuses. The last thing he needs is another chore . . . until a beautiful, brilliant, delightfully tempting maid makes him rethink his position.

LEAD TO A SCANDALOUS SEDUCTION?

Most women would be over the moon to be pursued by a wickedly handsome—not to mention wealthy—duke like Norcliffe. But Lucy will not be any man’s trophy. She could use a friend, though, and what begins innocently soon ignites into desire. As Lucy tries to resist Harry’s scorching kisses, he makes an utterly irresistible offer. Enter the dance contest with him, and win a prize that could change her life forever . . . if falling in love doesn’t change it first.

REVIEW:
Finally we get Harry’s book. I have really liked Harry since first met him on that wet soggy night. He has been one of my favorites, right after Bells. And Harry’s story is just perfect for him.

As the last unmarried of his friends he has started to re-think his lifestyle after the death of his favorite Uncle. Harry finally meets his match in Lucy.

Lucy is one tough cookie. Lucy not only has to take care of herself but her ailing grandmother. Not an easy thing to do when you are a women in London. But a chance in counter with Sir Galahad will change everything.

I loved this story. I have enjoyed this whole series. If you have enjoyed the first two book in the Sinful Scoundrels you will love Harry’s book. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Dreiling has in store for us next.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & Forever (Grand Central Publishing) in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

February 24, 2015February 24, 2015

Kelly reviews Whipped by Jacye Conrad & Gia Corona

TITLE: Whipped
SERIES #: Facile Restaurant series #7
CHARACTERS: Mark Ferrell & Lydia Conner
AUTHOR: Jacey Conrad & Gia Corona
PUBLICATION DATE: January 26, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N| Smashword

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Whipped is the seventh installment of Jacey Conrad and Gia Corona’s Facile Restaurant series. Each story in the ten part series focuses on a different couple.

Facile’s chief pastry chef Lydia Conner has watched the jerk at Table Seventeen run her fellow kitchen staffers ragged all night with his special requests and substitutions. But she knows she can sweeten his sour mood with one of her legendary desserts. No man alive can resist her special flourless chocolate cake…. Except for the jerk at Table Seventeen.

Mark Ferrell just wants this godforsaken evening in the armpit of the South to be over. But his partners are drawing out this client dinner as if they are being paid by the course. Still recovering from a relationship with a vigilante vegan, Mark’s afraid Facile’s rich food might actually kill him. To compound his misery, he gets a visit from the enraged, sizzling-hot pastry chef whose work he’s just rejected. Mark is about to get a chocolate-dipped lesson in what it means to indulge.

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Sweetness overload.
The ladies did it again. Ms. Conrad & Ms. Corona do such a great job of packing an amazingly good story into so few pages. As with every Facile Restaurant story I open the book and blast through the story. When I get to the end I keep trying to turn the page for more. I really hope (fingers crossed) that the ladies will do a revisit for each of these couples. I want to know more!!! MORE I tell you!!!! 🙂
Love love love this series!! Can’t wait for the next installment.

Disclaimer:
I purchased this book an this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

February 23, 2015February 22, 2015

Kelly reviews Accidentally Demonic by Dakota Cassidy

TITLE: Accidentally Demonic
SERIES #: Accidentals #4
CHARACTERS: Clayton Gunnersson & Casey Schwartz
AUTHOR: Dakota Cassidy
NARRATOR: Meredith Mitchell
RUNTIME: 10 hours & 49 Minutes
AUDIO PUBLICATION DATE: May 30, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The devilish new novel from the national bestselling author of The Accidental Human

When mild-mannered Casey Schwartz wakes up in jail, she has no memory of how she got there. But after her sister, Wanda, bails her out, Casey has more to deal with than a foggy memory-like abrupt mood swings and fireballs shooting from her fingertips. But things really head south when a vampire shows up on her doorstep…

Vampire Clayton Gunnersson is seriously hot. And seriously taken-by a demon. In a ritual gone wrong, Clayton tried to get rid of his unwanted bond, but spilled some demonic blood on Casey, getting her possessed in the process. Now, Casey has to share her body and manage to keep her growing attraction to Clayton in check, because falling for her demon’s boyfriend just might get Casey killed-from the inside out.

REVIEW:
In Accidentally Demonic we get to finally met Wanda long lost sister Casey. Unfortunately it begins with Casey calling Wanda from jail. But that is just the beginning of Casey’s problems. Seems Casey has a little problem with fireballs, floating, horns and a very hot vampire.

Clayton has been living a lie for years. Okay more like centuries. But when he thinks has a way to rid himself of his demons he jumps at it. Sadly, things didn’t go according to plan. Now Clay’s problems include the cute Casey Schwartz.

Another fun book from Ms. Cassidy. I really liked Casey and Clay’s story. At times the story was a little slow. And there were a few times that I thought to myself “What why is this happening?” or “When did that rule change?” But as the story went on I did get my questions answered. Looking forward to the next story in this series.

As always Ms. Mitchell does a great job. My only issue with this audio version was there was a lot of yelling that does not translate very well.

Disclaimer:
I purchased this audiobook from Audible.com and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

February 20, 2015February 19, 2015

Kelly reviews The Accidental Dragon by Dakota Cassidy

TITLE: The Accidental Dragon
SERIES #: Accidentals #9
CHARACTERS: McAllister Malone & Tessa Preston
AUTHOR: Dakota Cassidy
NARRATOR: Meredith Mitchell
PUBLICATION DATE: February 3, 2013
RUN TIME: 8 Hours & 3 Minutes
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N |Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From national bestselling author Dakota Cassidy comes the latest in a series that “gets better and better with each book” (Bitten By Books).

Firefighter McAllister “Mick” Malone knows he has a protective streak, especially when it comes to his deceased best friend’s sister, Tessa. But after twenty-five years of verbal sparring, Mick can’t help but notice that their recent arguments have started to feel a lot like foreplay. And while Tessa knows exactly what to say to get him going, Mick is thrown for a loop when he actually starts breathing fire.

Antique-store owner Tessa Preston has loved Mick Malone since she was ten years old—not that she’d ever admit it. Fighting with Mick is the only thing keeping her from an embarrassing romantic confession, but when the sexy firefighter accidentally ingests some ancient dragon scales masquerading as powdered aspirin, Tessa finds herself handling something much hotter than long-simmering sexual tension

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Oh man!! It has been a wild ride over the last nine books, but I am finally catch up with Ms. Cassidy’s Accidentals Series. And already looking forward to the next adventure. In Accidentally Dragon we get all the normal cast of characters (Nina, Wanda & Marty) plus we get to see a little bit of each of the other characters (Darrel, Arch, Casey, Katie, Jeanine and the all the boys). And of course we get our newest Accidentals Mick and Tessa.
I loved Mick and Tessa. Loved how this story opens with Mick catching Tessa’s store on fire. Oops. Loved to see these two dance around each other. It was heartbreaking to learn the reason it took Mick & Tessa so long to get along. And oh my goodness baby dragon. Love love love little Noah!!
I so can’t wait for the next installment in this series. I can’t wait to see how much softer Nina can be (the ooey gooey marshmallow that she is).
As always Ms. Mitchell does an amazing job of bring these character to life and telling the stories that keep me coming back for more.
If you have not started this series. You really should! It is fun, snarky and full of awesomeness!!

Disclaimer:
I purchased a copy of this audiobook from Audible.com I also received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

February 19, 2015February 15, 2015

Kelly reviews One Grave At A Time by Jeaniene Frost

TITLE: One Grave At A Time
SERIES #: Night Huntress #6
CHARACTERS: Cat & Bones
AUTHOR: Jeaniene Frost
PUBLICATION DATE: Aug 30, 2011
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Having narrowly averted an (under)world war, Cat Crawfield wants nothing more than a little downtime with her vampire husband, Bones. Unfortunately, her gift from New Orleans’ voodoo queen just keeps on giving-leading to a personal favor that sends them into battle once again, this time against a villainous spirit.

REVIEW:
Cat is still having some after effects from her involvement in the ghouls vs vampire war. The war might be over and it might look like things are quieting down for Cat & Bones, but that is far from reality. Cat is asked to help hunt down a ghost who likes to kill. This killer might prove to be the trickiest yet and how far is Cat willing to go to save his next victims?

This was not my favorite Cat & Bones book. But I am guessing that this book was intended as a build up to the next book. None the less any time with Cat, Bones and their friends is always worth the trip.

Disclaimer:
This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

February 17, 2015February 15, 2015

Kelly reviews Enslave Me Sweetly by Gena Showalter

TITLE: Enslave Me Sweetly
SERIES #: Alien Huntress #2
CHARACTERS: Eden Black & Lucius Adaire
AUTHOR: Gena Showalter
NARRATOR: Justine Eyre
PUBLICATION DATE: June 6, 2006
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Eden Black walks among humans, protecting them from the murderous evil of other-worlders who abduct and enslave. And though she appears to be human herself, Eden is an alien, a Raka, distinguished by her golden hair and skin, and gifted with the ominous ability to kill without remorse — and with total accuracy. That is, until the fateful night she has one shot to eliminate her target, a human slaver — and misses.

“Failure” is not in Eden’s vocabulary. Neither is “partner” — but that’s what she is forcibly assigned after recovering from her disastrous mission. A sexy, steely-nerved human agent, Lucius Adaire enjoys nothing more than sparking the fury — and rousing the desire — of the fiery female assassin too proud to admit defeat. Locked in an assignment they cannot afford to lose, Lucius and Eden find themselves bound in two high-stakes, heart-pounding games: the sensual web of kill or be killed, and the erotic dance of seduction.

REVIEW:
Eden Black is a trained killer who always gets her prey. Unfortunately always is not true now. Her latest target slipped away and Eden was gravely hurt. Now Micheal (her father and boss) has teamed her up with a human. The last thing in the world that Eden wants is a partner. But there is something about Agent Lucius Adaire that draws Eden. Something that may just get them both killed.
Lucius is a hired killer who is willing to do anything for the right price. So when the chance to work with the lovely Eden Black comes up he jumps at the chance. But quickly he finds himself bested again and again by the sweet looking Raka, who is anything but sweet.

I really enjoyed Enslave Me Sweetly. I loved the tension between Eden and Lucius. I loved Agent Luke and how Eden used that to her advantage. My only real issue with this story was how quickly Eden was able to employ the help of the Targon King. Okay employ might be a to gentle word for blackmail and the threat of cutting off male body parts. But all in all I enjoyed this book.

I listened to Enslave Me Sweetly on audio and had the amazingly talented Justine Eyre . Justine does a great job of bring these characters to life for me. If you are a fan of Justine & Gena Showalter you should check out this series 🙂

Disclaimer:
I purchased this audio book and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

February 16, 2015February 15, 2015

Kelly reviews Sizzled by Jacey Conrad & Gia Corona

TITLE: Sizzled
SERIES #: Facile Restaurant #8
CHARACTERS: Xavier Blackwell & Lakshmi Krishnamurthy
AUTHOR: Jacey Conrad & Gia Corona
PUBLICATION DATE: February 3, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N| iTunes

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sizzled is the next installment in Jacey Conrad and Gia Corona’s Facile Restaurant series. Each of the ten stories focuses on a different couple.

Facile’s manager, Xavier Blackwell, has reputation for being ruthless, smart and savvy with the ladies. While the first two descriptors are correct, the third portion of his reputation is not exactly accurate. While the posh London accent and prowling persona have garnered him many a lady’s attention, for Xavier, there’s only been one woman, one woman who seeped into his soul and left her mark on his heart. And she chose tonight, one of the most hectic, disastrous nights in Facile’s history, to visit his restaurant.

Food critic Lakshmi Krishnamurthy remembers her all-too-brief time with Xavier fondly. She means her visit to Facile to be a nostalgic stroll down memory lane. But due to miscommunications between nearly every member of the restaurant’s staff, it has become more of a culinary death march. Will Lakshmi take pity on the scrambling manager and invite him to her hotel room for a bit of room service?

REVIEW:
As always the ladies of the Facile Restaurant series sucked me into another sizzling hot read. Super excited to finally get my hands on Xavier… I mean his story. We have seen Xavier in just about every story. And he is always just there fixing stuff. He is like batman. He swoops in and saves everyone. But in Sizzled we get to see a not so smooth put together Xavier. I laughed so hard when Xavier had to wait outside of his office for EJ (hehehehe). Loved it!!
Can’t wait for the next installment.
And I truly hope the ladies will revisit all of these couples. I am sure there are more untapped spaces in the restaurant that they can get creative with.

Disclaimer:
I purchased this book from Amazon and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.